Social Studies – Ancient India Tuesday,

Ancient India A.Aryans 1. Religion 2. Social Classes B.Buddhism Introduction

Aryans Again, we know little about the Aryans, but some information about them comes from the Vedas, the most ancient Hindu scriptures. The Vedic Period goes from 1500 to 600 BC. The Aryans raised cows & the cows were a kind of money. According to the Vedas, Aryan priests were paid in cows for performing religious services.

Aryan Religion The Vedas say the universe is divided into three regions – earth, atmosphere & sky. They worshiped beings who controlled those areas. These people also believed in connections within the regions and among the regions. (Heat in fire connects with heat causing fruit to ripen.) Religious celebrations celebrated these connections. Indra was the god of war & thrower of thunderbolts; Indra defeated darkness, allowing the sun to rise daily.

Aryan Religion Main ceremony in Aryan religion = fire sacrifice. Sometimes animals were sacrificed, but milk, butter, vegetables, or grains were the usual gifts. Priests sang and chanted Vedic hymns.

Aryan Social Classes When the Aryans arrived, their social system had three classes – 1. Ruler (raja) & his warriors 2. Priests 3. Commoners Eventually a four-class system emerged & these categories have remained the same for centuries.